excerpts from 239 DAYS, ABDU'L-BAHA'S JOURNEY IN AMERICA, by Allan L. Ward
excerpts from THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, by Abdu'l.Baha
On April ll, 1912, the son of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith, Abdu'l-Baha arrived in New York City, to visit. He traveled across the country and gave 139 talks in churches, synagogues, learning centers, the Bowery, homes and meeting places thoughout the country. The newspaper articles and eyewitness stories of this time is relayed in 239 DAYS. The content of each talk is given in PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE.
I took as a project for the second time in my 41 years as a Baha'i to combine these two books and read on the anniversary of each day these events took place and follow His journey myself.
On April 17,2011, I read the following from April 17, 1912:
"Abdu'l Baha, the Exemplar, served these friends a meal which He prepared Himself at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney. ' It was,' Mahmud wrote, 'a magnificent supper.' Abdu'l-Baha told the friends, 'Become as waves of one sea, trees of one forest, growing in the utmost love, agreement and unity.'"
-239 DAYS, pp. 26,27
"....Day by day become more closely attracted in order that the love of God may illumine all those with whom you come in contact. Be as one spirit, one soul, leaves of one tree, flowers of one garden, waves of one ocean.
As difference in degree of capacity exists, among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, different in ideas and of various fragrances, let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony....
I am joyful, for I perceive the evidences of great love among you. I go to Chicago,and when I return I hope that love will have become infinite. Then will it be an eternal joy to me and the friends in the Orient."
-PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, pp. 24-25
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